Heterophobia | Fear of the Opposite Sex

(he-te-ro-fo-be-ah)

What is Heterophobia?

Heterophobia, also known as Sexophobia, is the irrational and persistent fear of the opposite sex, sex organs, sexual activity, and/or sexuality. A social fear, it is generally rooted in heartbreaking experiences with people of the opposite sex.

The word 'hetero' comes from the Greek word 'hétéro' meaning 'other' or 'different' and the word 'phobia' comes from the Greek word ‘phóbos’ meaning 'fear.'

Causes of Heterophobia

Heterophobia is a social anxiety disorder. Social phobias result in avoidance of social situations due to fear of being embarrassed in public and affect men and women equally. Extreme social anxieties often start in childhood or adolescence and may be accompanied by other anxiety disorders or depression.

The origins of social anxiety disorders are not as well-understood as specific (or “isolated”) phobias, where a direct fear of injury from some specific animal, thing, or situation forms a clear basis for the fear. Even so, hereditary factors may be present, such as a genetic tendency to be “high strung”, nervous, etc.

In all kinds of phobias, external experiences and / or reports can further reinforce or develop the fear, such as seeing a family member or friend who is affected. In extreme cases, indirect exposures can be as remote as overhearing a reference in conversation, seeing something in the news, on TV, or in the movies.

Heterophobia, like most phobias, stems from a subconscious overprotection mechanism, and as with many phobias can also be rooted in an unresolved emotional conflict.

Sexual embarrassment or trauma seems to be an obvious cause, but physical problems may also be root causes. Dysfunction or disfigurement may play a role both physically and psychologically in the formation of this phobia.